Are you a beginning photographer aiming to take your skills to the next level? If so, learning how to stage and style your photoshoots can make every photo session a success.
6 Styled Photo Shoot Ideas
- Couples Photoshoot Ideas
- Maternity Photoshoot Ideas
- Baby Photoshoot Ideas
- Family Photoshoot Ideas
- Group Photoshoot Ideas
- Special Occasion Photoshoot Ideas
As you read through our list of photoshoot ideas, think about how you can entice friends and family to model for you as photo subjects. This approach lets you practice with simple photoshoot ideas before you seek out a broader audience. You can also experiment with cheap photoshoot ideas at first before trying ideas that require more investment. This is a low-risk way to build skills and become a better photographer!
Photoshoot Ideas to Make Every Photo Shine
If you want your photoshoot to go smoothly, preparation is key. This is true for both you and your subjects. A day or two before the photo shoot, make sure you have all the camera and lighting equipment you need—and that you know how to use it. You can also coach your subjects on outfits, props, or other details.
Set up your equipment early—and review any expectations about the photo session with your subjects. Try to relax and settle your thoughts to put yourself in the right mindset to capture a photo that reflects your subject’s personality and goals.
To add even more value, you can partner with a professional stylist or make-up artist. This will help subjects look and feel their best—and is vital if you ever work with a professional model. Remember that whatever style of photos you take, you can enhance your images during post-processing with quality photo editing apps and Lightroom presets.
1. Couples Photoshoot Ideas
Couples in love often want a photo to commemorate the stages of their relationship. This is a perfect opportunity for you to help them! Have a ready supply of engagement photoshoot ideas can make a pre-wedding photoshoot effortless for any couple.
For many couples, a pre-wedding photoshoot is a good opportunity to practice before posing for the all-important wedding photo experience on their big day! The good news is that you can apply these prenup photoshoot ideas to any type of couples photoshoot—from the honeymoon to a golden anniversary.
Here are a few popular and proven ideas for couples that work for pre-wedding photos—or any phase of a relationship.
Home Photoshoot Ideas
What better way to showcase the personalities of a couple than to take photos in their home? You can capture couples in their favorite spots around their house to showcase hobbies and unique interests. Or you can shoot the couple in romantic poses—such as cuddling up on their own cozy couch.
Also, you can offer boudoir photography ideas to couples. Many couples might be open to the idea of a boudoir photo shoot in the comfort and privacy of their own home. Boudoir photography is growing in popularity—so this is a trend to jump on now!
Date Photoshoot Ideas
Tag along on a date outing to capture fun and vibrant couple images. The perfect venue for a couples photoshoot outing can be anywhere—from a coffee shop to a swanky restaurant, or even a day at an amusement park. For nature enthusiasts, try some outdoor photoshoot ideas. Anything from a simple picnic in the park to a majestic sunset atop a mountain is a perfect photo shoot idea for a special couple.
If you’re near the ocean, be sure to consider beach photoshoot ideas for the couple. Romantic beach photos are wildly popular during summer vacation season.
Hand-Holding Photoshoot Ideas
Not every couple wants a photo shoot that focuses on a portrait of the two of them. Consider close-ups of them holding hands across a restaurant table. Or have one partner give the other a dainty flower or other tokens of love. This sweet type of romantic couples pic can speak volumes about the depth of their commitment.
Pro Tip: Try the Earthy Wedding Presets Collection to add a personal and natural touch to couples photos.
2. Maternity Photoshoot Ideas
Pregnancy is a special time for families. Many families appreciate maternity photoshoots to help them capture that important passage. There is an endless array of pregnancy photo shoot ideas for moms-to-be. You can propose everything from an artsy setting to a quaint, moody and rustic, or fun-filled vibe. Always get the parents’ input before every maternity shoot.
The right maternity outfits can help you create a stunning work of art. Many moms-to-be look spectacular in long, flowing dresses that accentuate their beauty. Others may prefer everyday attire—like a favorite tank top that they can lift up to reveal their growing baby bump. In fact, sometimes the perfect maternity photo is a shot of mom’s baby bump instead of a full-length portrait.
It’s just as important to choose the right setting or backdrop for every maternity photoshoot. Often, a nature scene is a good choice to accentuate the impending birth as part of the natural cycle of life. Still, other parents may want a basic studio backdrop in a solid color to make mom-to-be the clear center of attention.
Props can add a joyful or meaningful element. Consider props like baby shoes, chalkboard signs with messages to baby, balloons, or toys. Often these props are quite inexpensive—so don’t discount the power of these cheap photoshoot ideas!
Pro Tip: Try the Orange and Teal Presets Collection to create vibrant photos that enhance the mom-to-be’s natural pregnancy glow.
3. Baby Photoshoot Ideas
Being a new parent can be very overwhelming. That’s why many parents rely on a trusted photographer for baby and newborn photoshoot ideas. Here are a few cute photoshoot ideas every professional photographer should know to perfect the art of newborn photography.
Since a baby cannot control his or her limbs and body well, you’ll need to know several newborn poses. One of the most basic and popular poses is positioning baby belly down with head on hands. Once you’ve mastered this style, you can try poses with babies laying on one side or on their backs. Another option is swaddling baby in a favorite blanket or soft piece of cloth.
Backdrops and props can add a unique touch to every newborn photoshoot. Often, these can be very simple. You can create a perfect baby photo with a solid color backdrop, a furry or chunky-knit blanket, and a simple accessory, like a flowered headband or a cap.
Many parents enjoy having photos to show growth of babies over time. You can add fun props like numbers, blocks, and chalkboards to commemorate monthly milestones. These and other baby photo series ideas are often welcome to parents.
And don’t forget to offer parents a few toddler photoshoot ideas for older siblings. Families often enjoy having siblings in a baby picture—while wanting pictures of their older children too. You can offer everything from fairytale photoshoot ideas with toddlers dressed as favorite characters to vintage photoshoot ideas that make children seem part of a bygone era. Parents will be ever grateful for these unique, fun-filled photoshoot ideas!
Pro Tip: Try the Bright White Presets Collection to showcase every baby’s innocence and innate beauty.
4. Family Photoshoot Ideas
Getting family pictures taken is a regular event for many families. You can offer family photoshoot ideas for every season or occasion.
For example, some families will appreciate fall photoshoot ideas which feature them crunching through leaves in a favorite park or even their own backyard. And some families choose coordinated outfits—like complimentary cozy sweaters or flannel shirts—to make the look complete. You can consult with families before shoots to advise them on perfect photoshoot outfit ideas.
Many others appreciate Christmas photoshoot ideas for their annual photo cards. In cold climates, snow photoshoot ideas are very popular among families. In other locales, posing in front of a tree or holding holiday-themed props—like oversized candy canes or tree ornaments—can set a seasonal vibe. Festive photoshoot background ideas can include solid red or green backdrops or ones featuring holiday motifs, like trees, stars, or wreaths.
Sometimes, families may want special photos of a few family members. Father and child or mother and child photos are very popular—especially as mementos for Father’s Day or Mother’s Day. For example, you can suggest mother and son photoshoot ideas that reflect the child’s special interests—whether it’s baseball, swimming or skateboarding. You can apply the same approach to select unique photoshoot theme ideas for other family members.
Pro Tip: Try the Halloween Presets Collection to give family photo shoot images an orange glow for fall photos and use the Christmas Presets Collection for festive holiday images.
5. Group Photoshoot Ideas
Professional photography experts often take photos of groups of people—from little league sports clubs to large company executive teams. One of the best ways to hone your photography skills is to get a group of friends together and practice popular group photoshoot ideas.
Location is an important factor for a group photoshoot. Shooting at the court is one of the best choices for a youth basketball team photoshoot. For a group of friends, try to reflect the character of the group. Take pictures of friends during their weekly coffee shop meetup or explore fitness photoshoot ideas for training buddies. Urban photoshoot ideas work best for groups of city dwellers, and outdoor photoshoot ideas are often great for those who live in the country.
You will often want to pose a group of people—especially if there are large height variations or if the focus of your shot is on one or two people. However, you may want to take shots in rapid succession to create more candid-looking photos. You can even take photos before the group is officially “ready” to capture more spontaneous images. Be sure to share these and other good photoshoot ideas with the group before you begin.
Pro Tip: Try the Outdoor Presets Collection to add enhance the natural beauty of any group photos that you take outdoors.
6. Special Occasion Photoshoot Ideas
Life is full of important holidays and milestones—and each one is worthy of a memorable photo. Here are a few special occasion photo shoot ideas to explore.
Easter Photoshoot Ideas
Many families have adopted the tradition of a Christmas photo. Why not encourage them to celebrate spring with Easter photo, too? Popular Easter photoshoot ideas can include everything from encouraging the family to dress up in their Sunday best outfits to posing them with fun props like bunny ears or oversized eggs.
Christening Photo Ideas
As a complement to the baby photoshoot ideas you offer, you can take special images of a baby’s christening. Parents may want you on location for the special ceremony—or want a portrait of their baby in full christening attire.
Graduation Photoshoot Ideas
Whether someone is finishing kindergarten or earning a PhD, you can honor this accomplishment with creative graduation photoshoot ideas. Poses with a traditional graduate cap or diploma are always good photoshoot ideas for these milestones. You can also consider on-location photos at the graduate’s school or campus.
Birthday Photoshoot Ideas
Many people enjoy having annual birthday photos taken. This is true for people of every age. But keep in mind that 2-year-old photoshoot ideas are very different from a birthday photoshoot for adults. The former may include toys, props, and vivid colors—while the latter may involve a simple portrait. Always take the client’s ideas into account when planning any birthday photo session.
Pro Tip: Try the Rose Presets Collection to add gentle or vibrant rose tones to special occasion photos to give them a warm, celebratory vibe.
Photoshoot Ideas Can Take Your Images from Good to Amazing
If you’ve mastered the basics of photo taking, you are ready to take the next step in photography. Learning how to plan and style a photo shoot is important. There are so many creative photoshoot ideas to explore. You can take a deep dive into one area—such as photoshoots for couples or group photoshoots—to hone your skills. Then you can branch out and explore new ideas over time.
Perfecting the art of couples pictures can help you move into other directions—such as wedding photoshoot ideas. You can learn how to capture the unique personality of and depth of love between each couple in every romantic picture—whether a once-in-a-lifetime wedding photo or a shot of a tender moment.
It’s a natural step for a couple to want to have photos taken of mom-to-be, a new baby, or their growing family. Having solid prenatal photoshoot ideas is important for every photographer. You can even explore breastfeeding photoshoot ideas to capture the special bond between mom and newborn. Since families change over time, it’s good to have a broad repertoire of photoshoot ideas that encompasses every stage of life—from newborn to elderly.
Group photoshoots are another excellent choice for photographers. There are many photoshoot ideas for friends you can try—such as capturing images at a favorite event or location. From there, you can easily move into exploring professional photography for local clubs, teams, or organizations.
There are truly so many cool photography ideas to explore—from fashion photoshoots to edgy shoots at exotic locations. Over time you can move from taking photos of family and friends to working with a professional model. The road to success starts by exploring some of your favorite photo shoot ideas.
Which photoshoot ideas inspire you the most? Where will your imagination and ambition take you? The only way to know is by experimenting with some new photo shoot ideas and learning new skills to build your portfolio.
